South Korea's ousted president charged with bribery

Prosecutors in South Korea have charged ousted president Park Geun-hye and Lotte Group chairman Shin Dong-bin with bribery.

It is the latest twist to a corruption scandal that rocked the country for months.

JUST IN: Ousted South Korean leader Park Geun Hye and Lotte chief Shin Dong Bin charged with bribery https://t.co/pR4Zv3egsJ pic.twitter.com/ySyl8phhdx

— The Straits Times (@STcom) 17 avril 2017

The charges

Prosecutors claim Park colluded with Choi to receive seven billion won () from Lotte in return for favours.

Park is also charged with abuse of power and coercion by pressuring big businesses to contribute funds to non-profit organisations, it is claimed.

Lotte has denied allegations that it made improper deals with Park, or those linked to her, for favours.

Samsung

South Korea’s biggest conglomerate has already been drawn into the inquiry.

Jay Y. Lee, the chief executive of the Samsung Group, is under arrest facing allegations of bribing Park and her friend, Choi Soon-sil.

All three are being held at detention centres.

Park, Lee, Choi and Samsung Group have also denied any wrongdoing.